29 November 2006
Tony Blair has told world leaders in Riga that the operation in Afghanistan is of "crucial importance" to our security.
The PM, who briefed the NATO heads of government dinner about his recent visit to the country, warned that the alliance’s credibility depended upon the success of the Afghan mission.
He told them that there was "no more important struggle for global security in the 21st century" and that it was in the strategic interests of all NATO nations to support Afghanistan.
Leaders of the 26 countries agreed to remove some caveats - national restrictions on how, when and where forces can be used - to further strengthen the effectiveness of the NATO-led forces.
They also confirmed that in situations of urgency, each Ally will come to the assistance of the Allied forces that require it.
Mr Blair, pictured with Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, saw first-hand how much progress was being made in Afghanistan when he visited troops in the southern province of Helmand last week. He said:
"We have got to send a clear message that NATO is prepared to make the military commitment necessary to sustain its mission in Afghanistan.
"This operation in Afghanistan is of crucial importance to our own security. NATO’s credibility is at stake here.
"If we don’t succeed in Afghanistan, the whole of our world will be less secure."
There are more than 30,000 soldiers from 37 countries serving in the Alliance, including 6000 from the UK.
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